Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2004 GMC Envoy XUV, 2004 GMC Envoy XL, 2004 GMC Envoy, and 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: When removing body panels, apply tape to corners of panel and adjacent surfaces to help prevent paint damage.

Apply protective tape to bumper surface at the edge of the step pad.
Open the liftgate.
Use a flat bladed tool to release the step pad from the adhesive strips located at each end of the step pad.

Fig 1: Releasing Ends Of Step Pad
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Release the step pad retaining tabs.
Remove the bolts retaining the outermost corners of the step pad to the fascia.
Remove the step pad from the fascia.
Remove all adhesive from the rear bumper fascia using 3M™ ScotchBrite molding adhesive remover disk 3M™ P/N 07501 or equivalent.
Clean the rear door panel surface using Varnish Makers and Painters (VMP) naphtha and allow to air dry.